Folding table assembly with seating structure



Aug. 22, 1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL 3,337,252

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I FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLY WITH SEATING STRUCTURE Filed March 1, 1965lZSheets-Sheet 7 12 Sheets-Sheet i mm ,QQN QC U k w E v EN E Aug. 22,1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLYWITH SEATING STRUCTUREFiled March 1, 1965 ww I \1 Q E w mm, Qw mm .3 v m m v N NQW N Nfi \HQmWm mm WW4 8w AL ug- 1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLY WITHSEATING STRUCTURE v 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed March 1 Aug. 22, 1967 J. M.KATZFEY. ETAL 3,337,262

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FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLY WITH SEATING STRUCTURE 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 FiledMarch 1,

g- 22, 1967 J. M, KATZFEY ETAL- 3,337,262

FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLY WITH SEATING STRUCTURE 12 Sheets-Sheet l2FiledMarch l, 1965 United States Patent 3,337,262 FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLYWITH SEATING STRUCTURE James M. Katzfey, Two Rivers, Wis., Franklin R.Amthor, Jr., Bethel Park, Pa., and Roy E. Kanitz, Amherst, N.Y.,assignors to Hamilton Manufacturing Company, Two Rivers, Wis., acorporation of Wisconsin Filed Mar. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 436,082 31 Claims.(Cl. 297159) This invention relates generally to folding tables, andmore particularly to a transversely folding table assembly.

A folding table assembly of the type disclosed in Kanzelberger et al.Patent No. 3,101,064 comprises two table top sections positioned inend-to-end relation, a center leg support pivotally connected to theadjacent ends of the top sections, and an end leg support pivotallyconnected to the outer end of each top section. The assembly may bemoved between open and closed positions, and when the assembly is in theopen position, the top sections are in horizontal end-to-end alignmentand are supported by the three leg supports, and when the assembly is inclosed position the top sections are vertically disposed insubstantially parallel planes and are supported by the end leg supportsonly, the center leg support being lifted out of engagement with thefloor.

A folding table of this character is very useful in a facility such as aschool cafeteria or lunch room because it may be folded to its closedposition and rolled to an out-of-the-way location when not in use, thuspermitting the major portion of the room to be employed for otherpurposes. When the table is being used, it is ordinarily necessary toprovide seats of some sort for the students or other individuals to siton while using the table. Such seats should extend along at least onelongitudinal side of the table, and it is preferable that the seats besecured to and be foldable with the table so that they too will be in anout-of-the-way location when the table is not being used.

A seat may of course take numerous forms, such as a bench, stool orchair, and to meet the demands of its customers, a manufacturer shouldbe able to offer a number of seat forms. It would of course greatlyincrease production costs if a different table construction wererequired for each form of seat.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a foldableassembly including a basic or standard table and any one of a variety ofseating structures which may be readily attached to or detached from thetable.

It is another object to provide an assembly of the foregoing character,wherein the table may be used without a seating structure.

Another object is to provide an assembly of the foregoing character,wherein the table may be folded while seating structure is attachedthereto.

Still another object is to provide an assembly of the foregoingcharacter, including stabilizers which are operative when the assemblyis in its open position to retard unwanted rolling movement of theassembly.

Still another object is to provide an assembly of the foregoingcharacter, including counterbalancing means for assisting in movement ofthe assembly between its open and closed positions, the counterbalancingmeans being adjustable so that the table may be used with or withoutseating structures, or seating structures having differing weights maybe used.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a folding table assembly embodyingthe invention;

3,337,262 Patented Aug. 22, 1967 FIG. 2 is an elevational view taken onthe line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the table in a partiallyfolded position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the table in its fully foldedposition;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the assembly;

FIG. 9 is another enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of theassembly;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line Ill-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 1111 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a further enlarged sectional view of a portion of thestructure shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 1515of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line16-16 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing another form ofthe invention;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 1818 of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken on theline 1919 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational View showing the structure of FIG. 17 in apartially folded position;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view showing the structure of FIG. 17 inthe fully folded position;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentray side elevational view showing still anotherform of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken on the line 2323 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 2424 of FIG.22;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary elevational view taken on the line 2525 of FIG.22;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary elevational view showing the structure of FIG.22 in a partially folded position;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view showing the structure of FIG. 22 in afully folded position;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing still anotherform of the invention;

' FIG. 29 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 29-29 ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the structure ofFIG. 28 in a partially folded position; and

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the structure ofFIG. 28 in a fully folded position.

In general, an assembly in accordance with this invention includes afolding table of the general character disclosed in the previouslymentioned Kanzelberger et a1. Patent No. 3,101,064 and the Amthor et a1.application Ser. No. 357,577, filed Apr. 6, 1964. The table includes twotable top sections positioned in end-to-end relation, a center legsupport pivotally connected to the adjacent ends of the table topsections, and an end leg support pivotally connected to each table topsection adjacent its outer end. The assembly is movable between open andclosed positions, and when the assembly is in open position, the tabletop sections are in horizontal end-to-end alignment and are supported bythe center and end leg supports, and when the assembly is in closedposition, the top sections are vertically disposed in substantiallyparallel planes and are supported by the end leg supports only, thecenter leg support being lifted out of engag ment with the floor.

Each end leg support preferably comprises caster carrying legs andstabilizer legs. When the assembly is in close position, it is supportedby the caster carrying legs and the casters permit the assembly to beeasily moved about. When the assembly is in open position, it issupported at its outer ends by the stabilizer legs which retard unwantedmovement of the outer ends ofthe assembly. Transfer of support betweenthe caster carrying legs and the stabilizer legs is accomplishedautomatically upon movement of the assembly between its open and closedpositions.

The assembly further includes equalizing means pivotally connected tothe center leg support and to the table top sections for maintaining thecenter leg support in vertical position throughout movement of theassembly between its open and closed positions, stretcher bars formaintaining the center and end leg supports in substantially parallelplanes throughout the opening and folding movements, a latch for holdingthe assembly in its open position, and counterbalancing means forassisting movement of the assembly between its open and closedpositions.

The assembly further includes seating structure for at least table topsection, the seating structure extending adjacent a longitudinal edgebut below the level of the top section. The seating structure comprisesseating means and support means, the support means being secured to theseating means and detachably connected to an end leg support and to thecenter leg support of the table. The seating structure is constructedand secured to the table such that it pivots and folds with the table.Since the total weight of the assembly depends upon whether a seatingmeans is provided, the previously mentioned counterbalancing means ismade adjustable so that the assembly may be used with or without aseating means. Moreover, adjustment of the counterbalancing meanspermits use of seating structure of different forms and hence differentweights.

In greater detail, the assembly includes a folding table which may be ofthe type having a unitary supporting structure 30 and a pair of tabletop sections 31 and 32. The supporting structure comprises two outer endleg supports 33 and 34, each end leg support including a pair ofgenerally L-shaped caster carrying legs 36 and upper and lower crossbraces 37 and 38, respectively (FIGS. 1 and 2. The legs 36 are securedtogether in laterally spaced relation by the cross braces 37 and 38 andmay be secured to the cross braces as by welding. The lower cross brace38 is generally U'shaped and its two arms extend angularly outwardly inthe general direction of the adjacent corners of the assembly and inside-by-side relation to the horizontal lower portions of the L-shapedlegs 36. The lower ends of the legs 36 and the lower cross brace 38receive casters 39 which support and facilitate movement of the assemblyon the floor when the assembly is closed. The outturned portions of thelegs 36 and the outturned arms of the lower cross brace 38 placeadjacent casters 39 of the end leg supports 33 and 34 a substantialdistance apart to provide greater stability when the assembly is in itsfolded position. The upper cross brace 37 extends laterally of theassembly and is preferably secured to the two legs 36 as by welding, andat the upper end of each leg 36 is preferably provided a cap member 41in the form of a channel, the legs 36 being pivotally connected to thecap member 41 by pins 42.

Each outer end leg support further comprises a pair of tubularstabilizing legs 43 for supporting the outer ends of the table topsections when the assembly is in its open position, each leg 43 beingpivotally connected by a pin 44 to the cap member 41 adjacent thepivotal connection of a leg 36 to the cap member. Thus, the legs 36 and43 of the end leg supports are respectively pivotally connected by thepins 42 and 44 to the table top sections through the cap members 41 andaprons to be described hereinafter. The pivotal axes of the stabilizinglegs 43 and the legs 36 are offset and the length of the stabilizinglegs 43 is related to the length of the legs 36 such that, when theassembly is in its open position, the stabilizing legs 43 rest on thefloor and support the outer ends of the assembly and the casters 39 ofthe legs 36 are lifted to a non-supporting position. To this end, thepivotal connections of the stabilizing legs 43 may be offset toward thelongitudinal center of the assembly and spaced downwardly from thepivotal connections of the legs 36, and, as previously stated, thestabilizing legs 43 extend downwardly from their pivotal connections andengage the floor when the assembly is open.

The stabilizing legs 43 of each pair are connected adjacent their lowerends by a laterally extending cross brace 46, which is at substantiallythe same height as the cross brace 38 when the assembly is in openposition. The stabilizing legs 43 are also slid'ably connected to thelegs 36 as by tubes 47 (FIGS. 1 and 4) which loosely receive thestabilizing legs 43 therein and are connected as by welding to the legs36. Friction cups 48 are preferably provided at the lower ends of thestabilizing legs 43 for frictionally engaging the floor when theassembly is open and thereby retarding unwanted rolling or slidingmovements of the outer ends of the assembly.

The supporting structure of the table further comprises a center legsupport 51 (FIGS. 1 and 3) which includes an upper portion 52 and alower portion 53 which is movably connected to the upper portion 52. Thelower portion 53 comprises a pair of uprights 54 secured together by alower cross brace 56, and the upper portion 52 comprises a pair oftubular slide members 57 secured together by an upper cross brace 58.Each of the uprights 54 of the lower portion 53 is disposed intelescoping relation within a slide member 57 of the upper portion 52.The upper end of each of the slide members 57 is rigidly secured to achannel shaped cap member 59 as by welding, and the lower end of eachupright 54 is provided with a cup 61 preferably made of a relativelyhigh friction material. The cups 61 rest on the floor when the assemblyis in its open position and restrain unwanted movement of the center ofthe assembly, similar to the action of the cups 48 on the stabilizinglegs 43.

The supporting structure further comprises two pairs of table topsection supporting means, the two pairs extending in horizontalend-to-end relation when the assembly is in open position andsubstantially vertically when the assembly is in closed position. Eachpair of table top section supporting means comprises two laterallyspaced aprons 62 each having an angle cross section. The two aprons ofeach pair are rigidly connected at their outer ends to the channelshaped cap members 41 as by welding, the pins 42 also extending throughholes formed in the aprons 6 2. The adjacent ends of the four aprons 62are also pivotally connected to the cap members 59 of the center legsupport by pins 63.

The outer end leg supports 33 and 34 and the center leg support 51 arefurther interconnected by a pair of stretcher bars 66 (FIGS. 1 and 6)which extend longitudinally of the assembly and are intermediate thesides of the assembly. The outer ends of the stretcher bars 66 may bepivotally connected to either the end legs 36 or to the stabilizing legs43. In the present instance, the outer end of each stretcher bar 66 isshown as pivotally connected by a pin 67 to a bracket 68 which isrigidly secured to the upper cross brace 37 of an outer end leg support.The brackets 68 extend substantially horizontally, when the assembly isopen, in the direction of the center leg support 51. The inner end ofeach stretcher bar 66 may be pivotally connected to either the centerleg support 51 or to the underside of the table top section at theopposite end of the assembly. In the present instance, the inner end ofeach stretcher bar 66 is pivotally connected to the cross brace 58 ofthe upper portion 52 of the center leg support 51. For this purpose, twobrackets 71 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 6) are rigidly secured to the cross brace 58and are pivotally connected to the stretcher bars 66 as by pins 72. Thebracket 71 at one side of the table is laterally offset from the otherbracket 71 and extends downwardly at an angle, so that the inner ends ofthe stretcher bars 66 cross each other. The brackets 71 are sopositioned that the axes of the pins 67 and 72 for each stretcher bar 66substantially define a parallelogram with the axes of the pins 42 and 63which pivotally connect the aprons 62 to the end and center legsupports.

Equalizing means is also provided to maintain the center and end legsupports in substantially vertical positions throughout opening andfolding movements of the assembly. The equalizing means comprises twolinks 76 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 6), each link 76 being connected between thelower portion 53 of the center leg support 51 and a pair of the aprons62. The lower ends of both links 76 are pivotally connected by means ofa pin 77 to a cylindrical rod retainer 78 which is part of an openposition locking mechanism to be described hereafter. The rod retainer78 is secured as by welding to the upper surface of the cross brace 56of the center leg support. From the rod retainer 78, the links 76 extendupwardly and slant longitudinally toward the respective ends of theassembly. The upper end of each link 76 is secured as by welding to across member 79 (FIGS. 3 and 6) having the shape of an angle. The twocross members 79 extend laterally of the assembly between the pairs ofaprons 62 and are pivotally connected to the aprons 62 by means of pins81, a pin 81 being secured to each end of the cross members 79 andextending through a hole formed in the adjacent apron 62;

As the assembly is moved from its open position shown in FIG. 1, throughan intermediate position shown in FIG. 4, to its closed position shownin FIG. 5, the upper ends of the links 76 swing downwardly and inwardlyrelative to the upper end of center leg support 51, and the lower endsof the links 76 move downwardly, which causes the lower portion 53 ofthe center leg support to move downwardly relative to the upper portion52. Further, the links 76 maintain the center leg support 51 in verticalposition during the opening and closing movements, and the end legsupports 33 and 34 are similarly held in vertical position due to theconnections of the stretcher bars 66 to the end and center leg supports.Interference between the stretcher bars 66 and the links 76 is preventedduring opening and closing movements by positioning one stretcher bar 66and one link 7'6 on each side of the longitudinal center line of theassembly, and, on each side of the assembly, the stretcher bar 66 andthe link 76 extend in opposite directions.

The open position locking mechanism is of the type described in thepending application of Anderson et al., Serial No. 273,683, filed April17, 1963. Briefly, this locking mechanism comprises a rod or plunger 82(FIGS. 3 and 7) secured to and extending upwardly from the rod retainer78 on the cross brace 56 of the center leg support 51, and a releasablecatch mechanism 83 secured to the other cross brace 58 of the center legsupport. A hole (not shown) is formed through the cross brace 58 and theplunger 82 is positioned to extend through the hole when the assembly isin its open position, and the catch mechanism 83 is positioned on top ofthe cross brace 58 over the hole and is adapted to engage and hold theupper end portion of the plunger 82 when the assembly is open. The catchmechanism 83 may include a washer (not shown) having a hole or apertureformed therein through which the plunger 82 extends, the edges of thehole in the washer being adapted to bite into and grip the plunger 82when the axis of the plunger 82 is substantially out of alignment withthe axis of the hole in the washer. To release the lock when theassembly is to be moved to the open position, a release handle 84 (seeFIGS. 3 and 6) is provided which extends upwardly from the catchmechanism 83 to a position intermediate the adjacent ends of the tabletop sections 31 and 32 and to a height preferably just below the uppersurface level of the table top sections. When the assembly is in itsclosed position, the two cross braces of the center leg support are asubstantial distance apart as shown in FIG. 5 and the plunger 82 iswithdrawn from the catch mechanism 83. As the assembly is moved to itsopen position, the plunger 82 moves upwardly relative to the cross brace56, enters the hole in the cross brace 56, and is engaged and held bythe washer of the catch mechanism 83. The assembly Will then remainlocked in the open position until the handle 84 is manipulated to bringthe axis of the washer hole into substantial alignment with the axis ofthe plunger 82 so that the washer will release the plunger 82 and permitthe assembly to be moved to its closed position.

Another lock mechanism is preferably provided for locking the assemblyin its closed position. This mechanism may be of the character disclosedin the previously mentioned Kanzelberger et al. patent, and comprises alatch 86 connected to the pin 42 which connects one of the aprons 62 toa leg 36 of an end leg support, and an arm 87 secured to the latch 86and engaging the adjacent leg 36. The arm 87 holds the latch 86 insubstantially horizontal position during opening and closing movementsof the assembly, and in position for a hook 88 formed on the end of thelatch 86 to engage a pin 42 at the opposite end and on the same side ofthe table, when the table is in its closed position. To this end, thepin 42 which is engaged by the latch 86 extends laterally outward ashort distance from the side of the assembly, as shown in FIG. 6.

Novel counterbalancing means is provided for assisting movement of theassembly to its closed position and for counterbalancing the weight ofthe assembly during movement to its open position. The counterbalancingmeans comprises a compression spring 91 (FIGS. 11 to 13) positionedwithin each of the uprights 54 of the center leg support 51, the lowerend of each spring 91 resting on a dowel 92 and its upper end engagingan adjusting mechanism. The dowels 92 are supported by the inturnedlower end portions 93 of the uprights 54. The adjusting mechanism foreach compression spring 91 comprises a threaded bolt 94 which extendsthrough a hole 96 formed in the top side of the cap member 59substantially coaxial with the slide member 57, the head of the boltbeing above the cap member and a washer 97 secured to the bolt beingbelow the top side of the cap member 59. The diameter of the washer 97is greater than the diameter of the hole 96 and thus prevents the boltfrom being pushed by the spring 91 out of the slide member 57 butpermits rotative movement of the bolt 94. A low friction washer 98 alsohaving a diameter greater than that of the hole 96 may be positionedbetween the washer 97 and the cap member 59 to reduce the force requiredto turn the bolt 94.

Each adjusting mechanism further comprises a nut 101 threaded onto thebolt 94, the nut 101 having an enlarged washer-like portion 102 securedthereto which fits over the upper end of the compression spring 91 andis preferably secured to the compression spring 91 as by welding. Itwill be apparent that, when the bolt 94 is rotated as by engaging itshead with a wrench, the nut 101, which is prevented from rotating freelybecause it is secured to the compression spring 91, will move axiallyalong the bolt 94 in a direction which depends upon the direction ofrotation of the bolt 94, such axial movement of the nut 101 adjustingthe compressive force exerted by the associated compression spring 91and thus the amount of counterbalancing force. When the nut 101 is atthe upper end of the bolt 94 as shown in FIG. 12, the minimum possiblecounterbalancing force is exerted by the spring 91 and the amount offorce exerted by the spring gradually 7 increases as the nut 101 isscrewed downwardly. In the position of the nut 101 shown in FIG. 11, thespring 91 exerts approximately two-thirds maximum force.

The lower end of the bolt 94 is enlarged as at 103 to prevent the nut101 from being screwed off this end of the bolt 94. To prevent the nut101 and the washer 97 from becoming jammed or frozen together when thenut 101 reaches the upper limit of its movement and the operatorcontinues to turn the bolt 94, a portion 104 of the washer 97 is offsetdownwardly, as by radially shearing the washer 97, and a plurality ofprotrusions 106 are formed on the portion 102 of the nut 101, theprotrusions 106 extending above the upper surface level of the portion102. As the nut 101 and the washer 97 move together, due to turningmovement of the bolt 94 the portion 104 of the washer 97 scrapes acrossthe top surface of the protrusions 106 and eventually engages oneprotusion 106* which prevents further turning movement of the nut 101relative to the bolt 94. Thus, the major surface areas of the lower andupper sides of the washer 97 and the nut 101, respectively, areprevented from coming into contact and jamming on freezing. If jammingor freezing were to occur, disassembly of at least a portion of thecenter leg support would probably be necessary to disengage the nut 101from the washer 97.

Assuming that the table is initially in its open position, the cups 48of the stabilizing legs 43 engage the floor and the casters 39 of theend legs 36 are lifted somewhat out of supporting engagement with thefloor. When the table is to be moved to its closed position, the handle'84 at the center of the table is moved to disengage the catch mechanism83, and the center leg support 51 is then lifted off the floor. Eachtable top section then rotates about the pivotal axis of the stabilizinglegs 43, and the outer end legs 36, including the casters 39, movedownwardly relative to the stabilizing legs 43. When the casters 39 arein firm engagement with the floor, continued upward movement of thecenter leg support 51 causes the weight of the assembly to shift to theend legs 36 and when the assembly reaches its closed position theequalizing legs 43'are raised out of engagement with the floor and arefolded between the top sections 31 and 32 (FIG. A relatively loose-fitis preferably provided between each stabilizing leg 43 and the tubularmember 47 which connects it to the adjacent end leg 36 because thepivotal axis of the upper end of each stabilizing leg 43 must move in anarc during opening and folding movements, which causes the stabilizinglegs 43 to slant or tilt somewhat relative to the tubular members 47.

Movement of the assembly toward its open position causes the pivotalaxis between the table top sections and each pair of stabilizing legs 43to swing toward the center leg support 51 and downwardly relative to thepivotal axis between the table top sections and the adjacent end legs36, and the lower ends of the stabilizing legs 43 eventually engage thefloor. Thereafter, continued movement of the assembly toward the openposition shifts the weight of the assembly to the stabilizing legs 43,and the end legs 36 are thereafter moved upwardly slightly relative tothe stabilizing legs 43 and the center leg support engages the floor.The length of the stabilizing legs 43 relative to that of the end legs3-6 is such that the casters 39 are either lifted entirely off the floorwhen the assembly is open or at least such that the weight is taken offthe casters, so that the ends of the table are prevented from shiftingin the event the table is accidentally bumped.

The assembly further comprises seating structure which may be attachedto the table and which is foldable with the table when it is soattached. The seating structure may extend along at least one side ofone of the table top sections. However, the seating structure shown inFIGS. 1 to 16 comprises seating means in the form of four bench topsections 111, 112, 113 and 114 extending along the respective sides ofthe respective table top sections 31 and 32. Thes bench top sections aresupported by and are connected to the table by support means. When theassembly is in open position, the pair of bench top sections 111 and 112are in end-to-end horizontal alignment and extend along one longitudinalside of the table, and the pair of bench top sections 113 and 114 are inendto-end horizontal alignment and extend along the other longitudinalside of the table. Further, the plane of the bench top sections isparallel to but displaced downwardly from the plane of the table topsections when the assembly is open. Thus, each bench top section isassociated with one longitudinal side of one of the table top sections,

and is at a proper height for sitting when using the table.

The support means for each pair of longitudinally spaced bench topsections comprises two pairs of bench aprons 116 each pair of the benchaprons 116 being rigidly secured to the underside of one of the benchtop sections and extending longitudinally of the assembly when in openposition. Extending laterally of the assembly between the aprons 116 ofeach pair are two cylindrical swivel tubes 117 and 118, the tubes 117being generally adjacent the outer end leg supports of the table and thetubes 118 being generally adjacent the center leg support of the table.The tubes 117 and 118 are mounted for pivotal movement relative to theaprons 116 by means of pivot brackets 119, one bracket 119 being securedto an apron 116 at each end of each tube 117 and 118 and having acircular cup shaped portion which rotatably receives the associated endof a tube. Rivets 121 positioned coaxially of the tubes 117 and 118 andthrough holes formed in the brackets 119 and the aprons 116 may also beprovided to hold the tubes 117 and 118 firmly assembled with the aprons116.

The bench top sections of each pair are connected together by a crosslink 122 of the support means, each link 122 being secured at its endsas by Welding to the swivel tubes 118. The links 122 are connected tothe tubes 118 adjacent the ends of the tubes that are adjacent thetable, and downwardly extending legs 123 are secured as by welding tothe other ends of the tubes 118. Further, legs 124 similar to the legs123, are secured to the tubes 117, the legs 123 and 124 engaging thefloor when the assembly is in open position (FIG. 1) and preferablybeing provided with caps 126 at their lower ends. Two resilient bumpers127 (FIGS. 1, 7 and 16) are preferably secured to the upper surface ofeach cross link 122 at positions where they are engaged by theundersurfaces of the bench top sections adjacent the inner ends of thebench top sections when the assembly is in the open position.

The seating structure further includes means for detachably connectingthe bench top sections to the table, the connecting means comprising,for each pair of bench top sections, two outer connecting links 131 anda center connecting link 132. Each outer connecting link 131 is securedat one end to a swivel tube 117, and, as shown in FIG. 2, extendsdownwardly from the associated swivel tube and is thenbent to extendlaterally of the assembly toward the adjacent end leg support of thetable. At the lower end of each outer connecting link 131 is provided apivot nut 133 ('FIGS. 14 and 15) which is secured to the end of theassociated link 131 and is internally threaded. When the links 131 andthe legs are made of tubular material as shown, the nuts 133 may bepositioned within the open ends of the tubes and be secured thereto asby welding. The nuts 133 have tubular extensions 134 which extendcoaxially beyond the ends of the links 131, and the extensions 134 arepositioned through holes 136 formed through the stabilizing legs 43 0fthe outer end leg supports. Bolts 137 are positioned through theextensions 134 and threaded into the nuts 133 to hold the links 131assembled with the legs 43 but also to permit relative pivotal movementbetween the legs 43 and the links 131. The portion of each leg 43 aroundthe hole 136 is flattened as at 138, and the nut 1'33 abuts theflattened portion 138. By this construction, the links 131 are able topivot about the axis of their lower outturned portions relative to thestabilizing legs 43, such pivotal movement, through an angle ofapproximately 4, being desirable because of the previously describedslant of the stabilizing legs during opening and closing movements ofthe assembly.

Each center connecting link 132 (FIGS. 3, 7, 11 and 16 is secured as bywelding to substantially the longitudinal center of a cross link 122 andextends toward the table and is then turned upwardly adjacent theassociated slide member 57 of the center leg support 51. A connectingblock 141 is secured as by welding to each slide member 57, and itsinner and outer sides are recessed to fit the contour of the cylindricalslide member 57 and the link 132. Internally threaded holes 142 (FIG.11) are formed in the blocks 141, and bolts 143 are positioned throughholes formed in the links 132 and threaded into the holes 142 forrigidly securing the links 132 to the center leg support 51 of thetable.

The construction of the support means is such that the bench topsections 111 to 114 are horizontal when the assembly is in openposition. The legs 123 and 124 engage the floor and provide support forthe bench top sections adjacent their laterally outer edges, while thelinks 131 and 132 provide support at their other or inner edges.Further, the lower laterally extending portions of the outer connectinglinks 131 are relatively close to the floor so that persons using theassembly will have little trouble stepping over the links 131 in orderto sit near the longitudinal center of the table.

As the assembly is inoved to the closed position, the inner connectinglinks 132 and the cross links 122 rise with slide members 57 of thecenter leg support. The cross link 122 remains horizontal while theaprons 116 and the bench top sections 111 to 114 pivot about the axes ofthe swivel tubes 117 and 118. At the outer ends of the assembly, theouter connecting links 131 rise with the stabilizing legs 43. Duringopening and closing movements the pins 44 connecting the stabilizinglegs 43, to the table aprons 62 swing through an arc about the pins 42connecting the caster carrying legs 36 to the aprons, and consequentlythe stabilizing legs 43 swivel slightly within the tubes 47. The type ofconnection provided between the outer connecting links 131 and thestabilizing legs 43 is advantageous because it accommodates suchswiveling movement of the stabilizing legs. When the assembly iscompletely folded (FIG. the bench top sections 111 to 114 aresubstantially vertical and parallel to the table top sections 31 and 32,and the support means is folded between the pairs of bench top sections.Of course, the counterbalancing means assists in movement of theassembly between the open and closed positions- FIGS. 17 to 21illustrate another embodiment of the invention, wherein the seatingmeans of the assembly comprises a plurality of swivel chairs 151 ratherthan benches. In this embodiment, three chairs 151 are provided at eachlongitudinal side of each table top section 31 and 32. The table isexactly the same as the table shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, and therefore thesame reference numerals are used to indicate the parts of the table.

The supporting means of the seating structure comprises, on each side ofthe table, a pair of elongated U- shaped frame members 152 which arelongitudinally spaced when the assembly is in the open position, each ofthe members 152 being adjacent a longitudinal side of one of the tabletop sections 31 and 32 and having upwardly extending arms 153. Adjacenteach of the arms 153 of the members 152 is positioned a brace 154, thebraces 154 being secured to the members 152 and being generally parallelto the arms 153, and the arms 153 and the braces 154 supporting two ofthe three chairs. Further, a pair of parallel braces 156 are secured toeach member 152 at approximately its longitudinal center for supportingthe center of the three chairs.

Under each chair 151, two V-shaped rails 157 and 158 are secured as bywelding to the arms 153 and the braces 154, and to the braces 156, therails 157 being at the upper ends of the arms and braces and the rails158 being spaced downwardly from the rails 157. A leg 159 (FIGS. 17 and18) is secured to each of the upper rails 157, the legs 159 extendinghorizontally away from the table and then downwardly to the floor whenthe assembly is in the open position, the horizontal portion of the legs159 forming a Y configuration with the rails 157 (see FIG. 18).

A swivel tube 161 (FIG. 19) is secured as by welding to each pair ofrails 157 and 158, each :of the tubes 161 extending generally verticallywhen the assembly is in the open position and being positioned betweenthe arms of the V-shaped rails at the apex thereof. The seating means ofthe seating structure comprises, in addition to the chairs 151, amounting plate 162 and a swivel pin 163 for each of the chairs 151 (FIG.19). The mounting plates 162 are secured to the underside :of the chairs151 and the pins 163 are secured to the plates 162 and extend downwardlytherefrom and are positioned within the swivel tubes 161. Roll pins 164secured to the swivel pins 163 below the tubes 161 are preferablyprovided to hold the seating means in assembled relation with thesupport means, but of course the seating means may be easily removed byremoving the roll pins 164.

The support means further comprises means for connecting the seatingstructure to the table, comprising, at each side of the table, two outerconnecting links 166 and 167 and an inner connecting link assembly 172.The outer connecting links 166 and 167 are connected to the stabilizinglegs 43 of the table in exactly the same manner as the links 131 asshown in FIG. 14. From the stabilizing legs 43, the links 166 and 167extend laterally away from the table and then are turned to extendangularly upwardly and toward the end of the table (see FIGS. 17 and18). The links 166 and 167 are pivotally connected to the supports forthe chairs 151 at the outer ends of the assembly by pivot plates 168 andtubular pivot sockets 169 (FIGS. 19 and 20). The plates 168 are securedto the underside of the upper rails 157, and a socket 169 in turn issecured to the underside of each plate 168. The upper ends of the links166 and 167 are turned laterally outward and are positioned within thesockets 169, and two roll pins 171 are mounted in and extend from eachof the links 166 at the ends of the sockets 169 to hold the links 166and the sockets 169 in assembled relation but also to permit relativepivotal movement.

The inner connecting link assembly 172 is similar to that which will bedescribed in connection with FIGS. 23 and 24, and comprises a connectinglink 173 having an upturned inner end portion which is secured to theblock 141 of the table. From the block 141, the link 173 extenddownwardly and then laterally outward from the table, and is secured atits outer end to a horizontal, l-ongitudinally extending cross link 174.The latter link 174 is U-shaped and its arms extend under the two seatsadjacent the center leg of the table, and plates 176 and sockets 177,similar to the plates 168 and the sockets 169, are provided to pivotallyconnect each cross link 174 to the remainder of the support means.Again, roll pins are pref- I erably provided to hold the sockets 177assembled with the links 174.

If desired, a handle 178 may be provided on at least one side of theassembly, the handle being secured to one of the links 173 on the upperside thereof and extending upwardly and then laterally outward away fromthe table. A resilient hand grip 179 may also be provided at the outerend of the handle 178.

It will be noted in FIG. 18 that, on each side of the table, the member152 and the legs 159 adjacent one of the table top sections are oifsetlaterally of the assembly relative to the member 152 and the legs 159adjacent the other of the table top sections. Thus, when the assembly ismoved to the closed position (FIGS. 20 and 21), the lateral offsetpermits the members 152 and the legs 159 to be interleaved and theassembly to be compactly folded.

Opening and closing movement of the assembly with chairs is generallythe same as the movements of the assembly with benches, and the movementis assisted by the counterbalancing means. One difference is that, inthe case of the assembly with benches, the supporting legs of theseating structure are always substantially vertical, whereas the arms153 of the members 152 and the legs 159 of the assembly with chairs arevertical when the assembly is open and are generally horizontal when theassembly is closed. The handle 178, when one is provided, may be grippedin order to maintain a firm hold on the assembly during movement betweenthe open and closed positions.

FIGS. 22 to 27 illustrate still another form of the invention whereinthe seating means of the seating structure comprises stools 186 ratherthan benches or chairs. In this instance, a set of three stools 186 isprovided adjacent each longitudinal side of each table top section. Onceagain, the table shown in FIGS. 22 to 27 has exactly the sameconstruction as the table illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 21 and therefore thesame reference numerals are again used to indicate corresponding partsof the table.

The support means on the seating structure comprises, on each side ofthe table, two U-shaped frame members 187 which may be similar to theframe members 152, each frame member 137 having arms 188 which extendvertically from the floor up to the underside of the stools when theassembly is in its open position (FIG. 22). A plurality of verticalbraces 189 are secured to the portion of each frame member 187 betweenthe arms 188, the braces being generally parallel to and extending tothe same height as the arms 188.

With reference to FIG. 23, a generally V-shaped rail 191 is secured asby welding to the upper ends of the arms 188 and the braces 189 undereach stool 186, the free ends of the nails 191 being secured to the arms188 and the braces 189. Further, at the apex of each rail 191 issecured, as by welding, a leg 192 which extends from the associatedsupport 191 laterally away from the table and then downwardly, andengages the floor when the assembly is open, in the manner of the legs159 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The stools 186 are secured as by screws tothe upper side of the rails 191 and are supported thereby.

The support means of the seating structure again includes means forconnecting the seating structure to the table, the connecting meansbeing substantially identical to the connecting means of the assemblywith chairs. On each longitudinal side of each table top section, anouter connecting link 196 (FIGS. 23 and 25) is pivotally connected tothe adjacent stabilizing leg 43 of the table by a pivot nut constructionindicated at 197, which may be identical to the construction previouslydescribed. From the stabilizing leg 43, the outer connecting link 196extends laterally outward from the table, angles upwardly and toward theadjacent end of the table, and then is turned laterally outward andextends underneath the stool 186 which is at the outer end of theassembly. A swivel tube 198 is provided beneath each of the outermoststools, or those adjacent the end leg supports, and also to each of thestools adjacent the center leg support of the table.

A plate 199 secured as by welding to the underside of the V-shaped rails191 for these end and center stools and the tubes 198 are secured to theunderside of the plates. The upper ends of the outer links 196 arepositioned in the swivel tubes 198 and are retained therein by roll pins201 (FIG. 25), the roll pins 201 preventing unwanted removal of thelinks 196 from the tubes 198 but permitting relative pivotal movementbetween these members.

On each side of the assembly, the swivel tubes 198 associated with thestools adjacent the center leg support of the table pivotally receivethe ends of a longitudinal and horizontal U-shaped member 202 whichforms part of the inner connecting link assembly 203 of the supportmeans 12 of the seating structure. The latter assembly 203 may beidentical to the assembly 172 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, and comprises .acenter connecting link 2114 which is secured to the center leg supportof the table in the manner previously described, the member 202, ahandle 206, and a hand grip 207.

The assembly illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 27 is similar to thosepreviously described. When the assembly is in the open position (FIG.22) and is to move to the closed position (FIG. 27) the center legsupport is moved upwardly as by gripping the handle 206 and lifting acenter portion of the assembly. Of course, the counter-balancing springspreviously described assist this operation. The member 202 of the centerconnecting link assembly 203 remains substantially horizontal as shownin FIGS. 26 and 27, and the U-shaped members 187 swing inwardly as shownin FIGS. 26 and 27. Once again, the arms 188 of the member 187, thebraces 189 and the legs 192, at one longitudinal side of the center legsupport are lateral- 1y offset from the corresponding members on theother longitudinal side of the assembly so that these members will beinterleaved o-r nested when the assembly is moved to the closedposition. The outer connecting links 196 pivot slightly relative to thestabilizing legs 43 of the outer end leg supports of the table due tothe swinging movement of the upper ends of the stabilizing legs aspreviously explained. As shown in FIG. 27, the lengths of the members202 and the outer connecting links 196 may be adjusted such that theplanes of the stools 186 are not exactly vertical when the assembly isin closed position but rather slant upwardly and outwardly, suchconstruction providing smooth folding operation of the assembly.

The form of the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 31 is similar to theform illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 27, the principal difference being thatin the form of FIGS. 22 to 27 there are three stools in each set whereasin the form of FIGS. 28 to 31 there are four stools in each set. Byproviding additional stools, more persons may use the assembly at onetime, of course. Once again, the table of the assembly is identical tothe tables previously described and the same reference numerals areagain used to indicate corresponding parts.

The seating structure of the assembly of FIGS. 28 to 31 comprises aplurality of stools 2.11 mounted on supporting means which includes aplurality of U-shaped frame members 212 having arms 213 formed thereonand braces 214 secured thereto. At the upper ends of the arms 213 andbraces 214 is secured as by welding a plurality of support rails 216.Again, a leg 217 is secured to each lrail 216 and forms a Tconfiguration with the rails 216, when viewed from the top (see FIG.29). The stools 211 are connected to the rails 2.16 and the upperportions of the legs 217 as by screws and are supported thereby.

The seating structure of the assembly further comprises connecting links218 which pivotally connect the outermost of the stools to the outer endleg supports of the table, the inner ends of the links 218 beingpivotally connected to the stabilizing legs of the table in the mannerpreviously described. Swivel tubes 219 and mounting plates 221 aresecured to the underside of the outermost of the stools for making apivotal connection with the link 218. At the center and on each side ofthe assembly is again provided an inner connecting link assemblycomprising a connecting link 222, a U-shaped cross member 223, a handle224 and a hand grip 226. The connecting link 222 is secured to thecenter leg support of the assembly in the manner previously described,and the outer ends of each member 223 is pivotally connected toremainder of the seating structure at the center of the assembly byswivel tubes 227 and mounting plates 228. The members forming the innerconnecting link assembly may be identical to those of the correspondingassemblies previously described, andmay be connected to the remainder ofseating structure in a similar manner.

The movement of the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 31 is similar tothe movement of the assemblies previously described. Again, the members212 and the legs 217 on one longitudinal side of the center leg supportof the table are laterally ofiset from the corresponding members on theother longitudinal side of the center leg support so that these memberswill nest or interleave pr-operly when the assembly is moved to thefolded position.

Since the seating structures in each of the assemblies described maydiffer in weight, the counterbalancing means previously described may beadjusted to exert a difierent counterbalancing force for each of theassemblies. Thus, if the table is used without a seating structure ofany kind, the bolts 94 may be turned to move the nuts 101- upwardly tothe point where the springs 91 will exert relatively little force. Onthe other hand, if a relatively heavy seating structure is connected tothe table the bolts 94 may be turned to cause the springs 91 to exertgreater force and thus help to compensate for the additional weight.

It will be apparent that a novel and useful folding table assembly hasbeen provided including a table which may be used alone without seatingstructure of any kind or which may be used with any one of a variety ofseating structures. Thus a manufacturer may ofier for sale a standard orbasic table and a variety of seating structures for use with the table,and a customer may make his choice of the type of seating structure hewishes, and it is not necessary for the manufacturer to provide adifferent table for each type of seating structure. Such standardizationof course reduces the cost of manufacture. Further, after a customer haspurchased a table and, possibly, a seating structure, he may at any timepurchase an additional seating structure for use with the table. Stillfurther, a customer may purchase a table and more than one seatingstructure and attach one or the other of the seating structures to thetable to meet various occasions. Still further, the customer may attachone type of seating structure to one side of the table and a differenttype to the other side of the table if he desires. The novelcounterbalancing means enables the assembly to be easily moved betweenopening and folded positions regardless of which of the foregoing typesof assembly is adopted.

We claim:

1. A folding table assembly movable between open and closed positions,comprising a table and at least one seating structure, said tablecomprising two table top sections positioned in horizontal end-to-endrelation when in open position, a center leg support pivotally connectedto the adjacent ends of said top sections, and an end leg supportpivotally connected to each of said top sections adjacent its outer end,said seating structure comprising support means, seating means andconnecting means, said support means being secured to said seatingmeans, and said connecting means being secured to said support means anddetachably secured to said center leg support and to at least one ofsaid end leg supports of said table, said connecting means being pivotalrelative to said seating means about axes which are generally parallelto the pivotal axes of said top sections relative to said end and centerleg supports, said seating structure extending adjacent 'a longitudinaledge of the top section associated with said one end leg support withsaid support means engaging the floor and said seating means being in asubstantially parallel plane with but below the level of said associatedtop section when said assembly is in said open position, and said topsections and said seating means being vertically disposed in generallyparallel planes and said assembly being supported by said end legsupports when said assembly is in said closed position.

2. A folding table assembly movable between open and closed positions,comprising a table and at least one seating structure, said tablecomprising two table top sections positioned in horizontal end-to-endrelation when in open position, a center leg support pivotally connectedto the adjacent ends of said table top sections, and an end leg supportpivotally connected to each of said table top sections adjacent itsouter end, said seating structure comprising seating means and supportmeans attached to said seating means, said support means beingdetachably connected to said center leg support and to at least one ofsaid end leg supports of said table, at least a portion of said supportmeans being pivotal relative to said seating means, said seatingstructure extending adjacent a longitudinal edge of the table topsection associated with said one end leg support, said support meansengaging the floor and said seating means being in a substantiallyparallel plane but below the level of said associated table top sectionwhen said assembly is in said open position, and said table top sectionsand said seating means being generally vertically disposed and saidassembly being supported by said end leg supports when said assembly isin said closed position.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said portion of said support meanswhich is pivotal relative to said seating means is also detachablyconnected to said center leg support and to said one end leg support.

4. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said portion of said support meanswhich is pivotal relative to said seating means also engages the floorwhen said assembly is in said open position.

5. Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said portion of said support meansalso engages the floor when said assembly is in said open position.

6. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said support means further comprisesa portion which is stationary relative to said seating means, saidpivotal portion being detachably connected to said center leg supportand to said one end leg support, and said stationary portion engagingthe floor when said assembly is in said open position.

7. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said center leg support comprises anupper portion which is pivotally connected to said table top sectionsand a lower portion which is movably connected to said upper portion,said support means of said seating structure being detachably connectedto said upper portion of said center leg support.

8. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said one end leg support of saidtable comprises a caster carrying leg and a stabilizing leg, said castercarrying leg supporting said assembly when in said closed position andsaid stabilizing leg supporting said assembly 'when in said openposition and said support means of said seating structure beingdetachablly connected to said stabilizing leg.

9. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said support means includes a linkfor detachably connecting said seating structure to said one end legsupport, said link extending laterally outward from said end leg supportto the remainder of said seating structure at a height which isrelatively close to the floor when said assembly is in said openposition, whereby a person may easily step over said link when walkingbetween said table and said seating structure.

10. A folding table assembly movable between open and closed positions,comprising a table and at least one seating structure, said tablecomprising tWo table top sections positioned in horizontal end-to-endrelation When in open position, a center leg support pivotally connectedto the adjacent ends of said table top sections, and an end leg supportpivotally connected to each of said table top sections adjacent itsouter end, said seating structure comprising seating means and supportmeans attached to sai seating means, said support means being detachablyconnected to said center leg support and to both of said end legsupports of said table, at least a portion of said support means beingpivotal relative to said seating means, said seating structure extendingadjacent at least one longitudinal edge of said table from substantiallyone end of said table to substantially the other end of said table, saidseating means comprising two portions each extending from substantiallysaid center leg support to one of said end leg supports, said supportmeans engaging the floor and said seating means being in a substantiallyparallel plane with but below the level of said table top sections whensaid assembly is in said open position, and said table top sections andsaid seating means being generally vertically disposed and said assemblybeing supported by said end leg supports when said assembly is in saidclosed position.

11. A folding table assembly as in claim 10, wherein said portions ofsaid seating means comprises two sets of seats, each of said sets beingadjacent one of said table top sections and extending from substantiallyan end of said table to substantially the longitudinal center of saidtable, and said support means including a center connecting linkassembly which is rigidly seccured to said center leg support of saidtable and is pivotal relative to said seating means.

12. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said support means of said seatingstructure includes a pair of outer links detachably connected to therespective end leg supports of said table and an inner link assemblydetachably connected to said center leg support of said table, saidouter links being pivotable through a relatively small angle relative tosaid end leg supports and said inner link assembly being non-pivotablerelative to said center leg support.

13. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said support means of said seatingstructure includes a pair of outer links detachably connected to therespective end leg supports of said table and an inner link assemblydetachably connected to said center leg support of said table, saidportions of said seating means comprising two sets of seats, one of saidsets being on each side of said center leg support and both of said setsbeing connected to said inner link assembly.

14. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said support means of said seatingstructure includes a pair of outer links detachably connected to therespective end leg supports of said table and an inner link assemblydetachably connected to said center leg support of said table, saidsupport means of said seating structure comprising a plurality of legswhich engage the floor when said assembly is in said open position, saidlegs being secured to said outer links and to said inner link assemblyand being pivotally connected to said seating means.

15. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said support means of said seatingstructure includes a pair of outer links detachably connected to therespective end leg supports of said table and an inner link assemblydetachably connected to said center leg support of said table, saidsupport means of said seating structure comprising a plurality of legswhich engage the floor when said assembly is in said open position, saidlegs being secured to said seating means and being pivotally connectedto said inner link assembly.

16. Apparatus as in claim 15, wherein said legs of said seatingstructure on one side of said center leg support are laterally oifsetfrom said legs of said seating structure on the other side of saidcenter leg support, whereby said leg on said one side may be interleavedwith said legs on said other side when said assembly is in said closedposition.

17. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said seating structure extendsalong both longitudinal sides of said table.

18. A folding table assembly movable between open and closed positions,comprising a table and a plurality of seating structures, said tablecomprising two table top sections positioned in horizontal end-to-endrelation when in open position, a center leg support pivotally connectedto the adjacent ends of said table top sections, and an end leg supportpivotally connected to each of said table top sections adjacent itsouter end, each of said seating structures comprising seating means andsupport means 16 attached to said seating means, said support means ofeach of said seating structures being constructed to be detachablyconnected to said center leg support and to at least one of said end legsupports of said table whereby said plurality of seating structures maybe selectively connected to said table, a selected one of said seatingstructures when attached to said table extending adjacent a longitudinaledge of at least one of said table top sections, the support means ofsaid selected seating structure engaging the floor and its seating meansbeing in a substantially parallel plane but below the level of saidtable top sections when said assembly is in said open position, and saidtable top sections and said seating means of said selected seatingstructure being generally vertically disposed and said assembly beingsupported by said end leg supports when said assembly is in said closedposition. 1

19. A folding table assembly movable between open and closed positions,comprising a table and a plurality of seating structures, said tablebeing connectable to any selected one of said seating structures andcomprising two table top sections positioned in horizontal and endto-endrelation when said assembly is in said open position and being generallyvertically disposed when said assembly is in said closed position, acenter leg support pivotally connected to the adjacent ends of saidtable top sections and an end leg support pivotally connected to each ofsaid table top sections adjacent its outer end, each of said pluralityof seating structures comprising seating means and support meansattached to said seating means, a selected one of said seatingstructures when connected to said table having its support meansdetachably connected to said center leg support and at least one of saidend leg supports, said selected seating structure being foldable withsaid table and the support structure of said selected seating structureengaging the floor when said assembly is in said open position.

20. Apparatus as in claim 19, wherein said seating structures are ofdifferent forms and of different weights, and said table furthercomprises counterbalancing means for assisting movement of said tablebetween said open and closed positions, said counterbalancing meansbeing adjustable whereby compensation may be made for different weightsof said assembly.

21. Apparatus as in claim 19, wherein any selected one of said seatingstructures when connected to said ta'ble extends along one longitudinaledge of said table from substantially one end of said table tosubstantially the other end of said table, said support means includinga pair of outer links connecting said seating structure to said end legsof said table and an inner link'assembly connecting said seatingstructure to said center leg support of said table.

22. Apparatus as in claim 21, wherein said seating means of each of saidseating structures comprises two sets of seats, each of said setsextending from said inner link assembly to one of said outer links.

23. A folding table movable between open and closed positions,comprising at elast one table top section, support means pivotallyconnected to at least one end of said table top section for supportingsaid section when in said open position, and adjustable counterbalancingmeans connected to said support means for exerting a force tending tomove said table to said closed position, whereby the amount of forceexerted may be adjusted to a desired value.

24. Apparatus as in claim 23, wherein said counterbalancing meanscomprises at least one preloaded spring, and the amount of force exertedmay be adjusted by adjusting the preload on said spring.

25. A folding table movable between open and closed positions,comprising two table top sections positioned in horizontal end-to-endrelation when in said open position and being generally verticallydisposed when in said closed position. a center leg support pivotallyconnected

10. A FOLDING TABLE ASSEMBLY MOVABLE BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS, A COMPRISING A TABLE AND AT LEAST ONE SEATING STRUCTURE, SAID TABLE COMPRISING TWO TABLE TOP SECTIONS POSITIONED IN HORIZONTAL END-TO-END RELATION WHEN IN OPEN POSITION, A CENTER LEG SUPPORT PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE ADJACENT ENDS OF SAID TABLE TOP SECTIONS, AND AN END LEG SUPPORT PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID TABLE TOP SECTIONS ADJACENT ITS OUTER END, SAID SEATING STRUCTURE COMPRISING SEATING MEANS AND SUPPORT MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID SEATING MEANS, SAID SUPPORT MEANS BEING DETACHABLY CONNECTED TO SAID CENTER LEG SUPPORT AND TO BOTH OF SAID END LEG SUPPORTS OF SAID TABLE, AT LEAST A PORTION OF SAID SUPPORT MEANS BEING PIVOTAL RELATIVE TO SAID SEATING MEANS, SAID SEATING STRUCTURE EXTENDING ADJACENT AT LEAST ONE LONGITUDINAL EDGE OF SAID TABLE FROM SUBSTANTIALLY ONE END OF SAID TABLE TO SUBSTANTIALLY THE OTHER END OF SAID TABLE, SAID SEATING MEANS COMPRISING TWO PORTIONS EACH EXTENDING FROM SUBSTANTIALLY SAID CENTER LEG SUPPORT TO ONE OF SAID END LEG SUPPORTS, SAID SUPPORT MEANS ENGAGING THE FLOOR AND SAID SEATING MEANS BEING IN A SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL PLANE WITH BUT BELOW THE LEVEL OF SAID TABLE TOP SECTIONS WHEN SAID ASSEMBLY IS IN SAID OPEN POSITION, AND SAID TABLE TOP SECTIONS AND SAID SEATING MEANS BEING GENERALLY VERTICALLY DISPOSED AND SAID ASSEMBLY BEING SUPPORTED BY SAID END LEG SUPPORTS WHEN SAID ASSEMBLY IS IN SAID CLOSED POSITION. 